Do you wish to share a slice of cantaloupe with your bearded dragon?

Cantaloupe is a refreshing and delicious fruit for many people on warm days. It tastes slightly sweet, smells musky, and changes one’s mood.

Not to forget, cantaloupe is full of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and water that can improve a pet's health. 

If you want to share this fruit with your beardie, knowing whether bearded dragons can eat cantaloupe is essential.

Here, TopFlight Dubia shares the nutritional value of this fruit and how much and how often cantaloupe can be served to your pet.

Nutritional Value of Cantaloupe

In one cup of raw cantaloupe cubes contains:

Credits: Rochester University 

Calcium

Bearded dragons, especially young ones, need calcium so their bones can develop correctly.

Protein

A bearded dragon’s diet needs to include protein. Fruits like cantaloupe can provide enough protein to help the beardie grow/ stay at a healthy weight.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates, with protein and fat, are macronutrients that provide energy for bearded dragons. 

Fibers

It helps bulk the stool and promotes regular bowel movements in bearded dragons.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C helps in boosting the immune system. 

Carotene Beta 

Beta-carotene promotes a healthy immune system, healthy skin, and good vision. 

What Quora Has to Say About Cantaloupe for Bearded Dragons?

According to an answer to a query on Quora, cantaloupe is a delightful treat that bearded dragons can consume as it can benefit the beardies with their digestion and provide them with nutrients ideal for their growth. 

So, the ideal diet for beardies should contain:

• 20–25% Fiber
• 20–25 % Protein
• 3–6% fat

Including cantaloupe in their diet as an occasional treat can help them to be more hydrated and get crucial nutrients.

How Much Cantaloupe Bearded Dragon Can Eat? 

You can feed cantaloupe to your beloved pet once or twice a week. 

Ensure additional calcium is provided as per your pet's specific requirements to correct the mineral balance. 

You can discuss with your veterinarian how much calcium to include in your beardie diet. 

How To Feed Cantaloupe to Your Beardie

Cantaloupe can be a delicious and nutritious treat for your beardie if properly fed.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cut the cantaloupe safely for your pet.

• Wash the cantaloupe to remove the bacteria. 
• You will need a hard, flat surface and a very sharp knife. 
• Place the cantaloupe on the work surface and slice off the top and bottom ends. 
• Rotate the cantaloupe to stand on one of the two flat ends, making it easy to slice off the fruit. 

After that, there are two methods: 

• You can either remove the skin and then cut the cantaloupe. 
• You can cut the cantaloupe with the skin on. 

1. Remove the Skin and Cut

• Slice off the outer skin of the cantaloupe using a sharp knife and keep following the shape of the sphere. 
• Remove the skin.
• Slice the melon in half lengthwise. 
• Use the spoon to scoop the seeds from the center and discard them.
• Cut the cantaloupe into small pieces.

2. Slice First and Then Remove the Skin ( Easy Method) 

• Cut the cantaloupe in half lengthwise. Take out the seeds from the center using a spoon and discard the seeds.
• Cut the melon into small-sized pieces. 

The Bottom Line

Now, you know how much ( smaller pieces) and when often ( once or twice a week) to feed cantaloupe to your bearded dragon. To maintain a balance in the beardie’s diet, make sure to include other nutritious foods like Dubia roaches, crickets, veggies, and more. Also, discuss the specific nutrient requirements of your beardie with a veterinarian. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)